Felony charge for motorcyclist shot after fleeing police in Eden Prairie
A 21-year-old Bloomington man who was accidentally shot by police over the weekend has been charged with a felony.
Matthew Raymond Hovland-Knase was charged Tuesday with one felony count of fleeing a police officer. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint:
Around 3 a.m. on June 20, Eden Prairie police officers attempted to stop a motorcyclist who was traveling over the speed limit. Instead of stopping, the motorcyclist accelerated at a high rate of speed.
Officers initiated a pursuit, in which the motorcyclist "wove from side to side, crossed the centerline, and proceeded straight in a right-turn only lane."
The motorcyclist reached speeds approaching 100 mph.
Eventually, the motorcyclist pulled to the side of the road and officers initiated a felony stop. During the stop, an officer accidentally discharged his weapon and hit Hovland-Knase in the left arm.
Officers administered first aid, during which they detected "the strong odor of an alcohol-type beverage" on Hovland-Knase's breath.
He was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment, where he agreed to a blood test to determine if he was intoxicated. Results from the test are pending.
Hovland-Knase is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail.
